Rules to prevent entry of Belarus electricity into the Lithuanian electricity market due to the threats from Astravyets NPP are being prepared

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The Ministry of Energy submitted for public coordination amendments to the rules for trade in electricity and the description of the procedure of electricity import and export.

The rules are amended by implementing the law adopted by the Seimas recognising the threat of Astravyets nuclear power plant (NPP) under construction in Belarus to the national security of the state, environment and public health. The law sets out the prohibition for electricity from third countries with unsafe NPP to enter the Lithuanian electricity market.

It is stipulated in the new procedure, that from the commencement of technological tests of electricity generation in Astravyets NPP, trade throughput of the interconnections between Lithuania and Belarus will be 0 MW.

Furthermore, the rules lay down that electricity import through the interconnections between Lithuania and Kaliningrad District within the present throughput limits will be limited to the amount of electricity that can be generated in Kaliningrad District and not consumed. This will prevent possible entry of Belarus electricity into the Lithuanian market by applying certain trade schemes with Kaliningrad District.

The Action plan of security measures necessary to protect the country from the unsafe nuclear power plant, approved by the Government last September stipulates implementation of a number of measures aimed at prevention of entry of electricity from Belarus into the Lithuanian electricity market once Astravyets NPP is put into operation.

This spring, the Minister issued an order prohibiting use of reserve capacities of Kruonis PSP for Astravyets NPP needs in the event of its operation.

Reorganisation and optimisation of the electricity transmission network of northeast Lithuania have already been launched. This will allow preparation and adaptation of the existing electricity transmission infrastructure for safe disconnection from the Russian energy ring BRELL and synchronisation with the European energy system.

To improve supply reliability, the implementation of the project on development of the overhead power line Vilnius – Lithuanian power plant and preparatory works for implementation of the project of a new overhead power line Vilnius - Naujoji Vilnia - Neris are already in progress in Vilnius District. These interconnections also play an important role in preparation for disconnection from the Russian energy ring BRELL and synchronisations with the European energy networks.

Amendments to the rules for trade in electricity and the description of the procedure of electricity import and export are planned to be approved next week.